Best day trips from London by car. Whether you travel alone or with friends, we’ve great ideas for day escapes from London that you’ll love!
Looking for the best one day trips from London? You are in the right place! 🙂 A day out hiking the Cheddar Gorge, visiting some of the best villages in England or just having a picnic at Seven Sisters Cliffs – there are endless ways to go on a day trip from London by car! But before we talk about day trips out of London, let’s make something clear:
We all LOVE London, right?
It’s an amazing city! From romantic places in the capital city to the best parks in London – there are so many great things to do in London! But, from time to time, we all need a break from the bustle of London – there is nothing better than day trips from London by car. From coast to castles, there’s a broad range to choose from many stunning days out from London.
But how to find the best ideas for day trips from London by car?
Many of the great UK castles, cities, villages, and famous landmarks can be visited during one-day trips from London, when you travel by train, by car, or by coach.
Are day trips from London worth it?
Yes, day trips from London by car can be worth it and offer a great way to explore the surrounding areas and experience different attractions.
There are numerous places near London that are worth visiting, such as historical sites like Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, charming towns like Oxford and Cambridge, and beautiful countryside areas like the Cotswolds or the South Downs. These day trips can provide a change of scenery, cultural experiences, and opportunities to see famous landmarks and natural wonders.
Whether it’s exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site, enjoying picturesque landscapes, or immersing yourself in the history and culture of a different town, day trips from London by car can offer a fulfilling and enriching experience. It’s advisable to plan ahead and choose destinations that align with your interests to make the most of your day trip.
Top 10 Day Trips from London by car:
| Best road trips from London: | Cheddar Gorge |
| Nature places to visit near London by car: | New Forest |
| Historical places to visit near London by car: | Windsor |
| Nice day trip from London by car: | Castle Combe |
| Day trips from London with kids: | Abingdon |
| Winter day trips from London: | Lapland UK |
| Day trips from London by car 1 hour: | Old Amersham |
| Seaside days out near London: | Seven Sisters |
| Half day trips from London: | Finchingfield |
| Unique short drives from London: | Hitchin lavender farm |
10 not enough? Great news! We’ve put together an ultimate list of the Top 35 one-day trips from London by car. The visit must-see destinations including Stonehenge, Windsor Castle or Seven Sister Cliffs. Our cracking ideas of day trips from London will give you an opportunity to quickly escape from the city and then refresh your love for the capital of the UK again.
(If you don’t own a car, you can choose one of the car hire companies in Europe, so there is no excuse for not exploring southern England – there are way too many great places to visit in England 😉 )
Here are the best day trips from London – a TOP 35 day trips you can do by car!
DAY TRIPS OUT OF LONDON
Looking to get out of the city for a few hours? Rent a car, if you don’t have one, and drive to one of the great destinations from our definitive list of best day trips from London, you can reach by car. Featuring spa cities, adventures in the great British countryside and amazing seaside towns.
Explore the best places to visit outside London and top ideas for day trips from London by car:
Best day trips from London by car:
1. Day trip to Castle Combe
Getting to Castle Combe by car: 2 hours from West London.
Best Cotswold day trip from London!
We love Castle Combe!
If you are planning a day trip outside of the capital city, then this beautiful Cotswold village is a perfect choice. Take a few pictures on the famous bridge and visit the Castle Combe circuit for a bit of adrenaline. Don’t forget to go for a scone at the Old Stables Coffee Shop
In case one day is not enough, book a room at the Manor House Hotel and spend an amazing UK weekend break. this really is one of the best day trips near me from London.
Why Castle Combe is worth visiting on a day trip from London?
You probably can’t have a better day out than a trip to Castle Combe! This fairy-tale-like village is totally worth visiting for a day trip from London! Who wouldn’t like to see the prettiest village in England?
2. Day out in St Albans
Getting to St Albans by car: 42 mins from West London.
Very easy day trip from London!
There are many things to do outside London. This gorgeous town in Hertfordshire isn’t far from London and takes less than an hour to reach by car. It has fantastic markets, a stunning cathedral, and plenty of pubs to sample on your way. With lots of history behind it and good shopping, it has everything you need. This stunning market town is really one of the best day trips out of London – have you been to St Albans yet?
If you are looking to move house then St. Albans is one of the top London commuter towns!
Why St Albans is one of the best day trips from London?
St Albans has plenty to do; you can soak up history, take in its charming beauty and even take a walk around the Warner Bros Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter!
3. Day trip to Old Amersham
Getting to Amersham by car: 40 minutes from West London
Top Buckinghamshire location for a day trip from London.
If you live in London you know that there are many great nearby places to visit. The location of this town makes is a perfect place to visit. Surrounded by the stunning Chilterns and only 20 minutes from M25 is must-see English town. Old Amersham definitely is full of character, with its old houses that date back as far as 1450 and the beautiful St Mary’s church.
Why Amersham is one of the best day trips from London by car?
There are many great towns in Buckinghamshire to visit but Amersham just has it all you need for a relaxing day outside of London. With cute cafes, stunning British pubs old houses there is a bit of everything. Amersham is also known for being a getaway to the Chiltern Hills so it’s worth visiting this beautiful town even for a few hours – a perfect destination for day trips outside London!
4. Day trip to Abingdon
Getting to Abingdon by car: 70 minutes from West London.
One of the top places to visit by car near me!
Where to go outside London for a day? Famous for its bun throwing ceremony, Abingdon is an interesting place, to say the least. You can easily visit Abingdon by taking a ride on the River Thames from another local town – that being Wallingford.
The town claims to have the oldest history as a town in England that has been continuously occupied as a settlement. That’s certainly hard to argue against when Abingdon Abbey has records that date its founding back to the 7th century.
5. Day out to Marlow
Getting to Marlow by car: 45 minutes from West London
Best day trips from London in June.
Days out near London? Located on the River Thames, Marlow is a great choice for everyone who likes riverside towns. Located 8 miles from Henley-on-Thames and 33 miles from London is known for its bridge which was a prototype for the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest. Head out to Marlow Lock where you can watch the river traffic – you will definitely like this place.
Why Marlow is one of the best day trips from London by car?
Malow is one of the best places on the River Thames for water activities. From sailing and rowing to canoeing there are plenty of options even for non-members on the water sports clubs.
There is also Marlow’s annual regatta, which takes place every June, so it is worth planning a day trips near London during summer months.
6. Day trip to Windsor
Getting there: 32 minutes to Windsor from West London.
A must-do day trip from London!
Looking for places to visit around London by car? The places in London are amazing, yes, but what about Windsor? Home of the Queen, the castle is worth spending a day in. Plus, there is loads of dining and shopping, as well as the polo club and racecourses. Kids and children at heart alike can also visit Legoland for a real day of fun.
Why Windsor is one of the top day trips out of London?
The home of Windsor Castle, there is something very regal about this particular part of the country. Not only is there plenty of royal-culture for you to enjoy, but if you fancy something more fun, Legoland can be found here too!
7. Day out in Wallingford
Getting there: 70 minutes to Wallingford from West London.
One of the nice places to drive near London!
A historic market town, Wallingford can be found on the River Thames, resting between Oxford and Reading. It’s most famous for its bridge, which is said to be the finest bridge that allows people to cross over the River Thames.
From Wallingford in the South of England, you can take a boat trip over to either Abingdon or Reading, making it a great place to stay for a weekend excursion.
8. Road trip to Hitchin lavender farm
Getting to Hitchin lavender farm by car: 50 minutes from North London.
Day trips from north London!
Though Hitchin is a small place in Southern England, it does have this one amazing feature that keeps guests coming in and out of the town. Hitchin lavender farm is a beautiful area to visit, and the farm is known as one of the best lavender fields in England.
Guests love the atmosphere at the farm, and the afternoon tea available at the small café is a favourite of many. It really is one of the best places to visit in Hertfordshire.
9. Day out in Brighton
Getting to Brighton by car: 93 minutes from West London.
Very popular summer day trip from the capital city!
Where to go for a day trip by car? Also known as London by the sea, this city is a chilled and liberal place to visit on a weekend or your day off. The sand is good, the sea is perfect, and the fish and chips are arguably the best in the country. It’s full of life both during the day and at night, which makes it a pretty ideal place to take a trip to.
Why Brighton is a perfect one day trip from London?
Bright, colourful and right on the seafront, what more could Brighton offer? If you like to explore towns that are quirky and packed full of charm, then this is the place for you to head. It is also home to some of the best beaches near London!
10. Day out in Wendover
Getting to Wendover by car: 50 minutes from West London.
One of the best summer day trips from London!
Best places to visit outside London? Wendover really is one of the top places to visit near London by car. This little market town located in the Chilterns is full of cute cafes, top restaurants and of course traditional British pubs – perfect for a Sunday roast!
Why Wendover is a perfect day trip from London by car?
One of the key reasons to visit Wendover on day trips out of London is Wendover Woods. Anyone enjoying walks or looking for a bit thrill at Go Apes will really have fun in this beautiful spot as it really is one of the best forests near London!
You can also drive to nearby Coombe Hill where you can go for a short hike an admire stunning sunset from the top of the hill! It really is one of the top days out from London by car!
11. Day trip to Henley-on-Thames
Getting to Henley-on-Thames by car: 50 minutes from West London.
One of the best family day trips from London!
Top places to visit around London for a day out? There are many great places to visit outside London by car and Henley-on-Thames is definitely one of them. Visit the River & Rowing Museum or nearby Marsh Lock and just go for a stroll alongside the River Thames.
Why Henley-on-Thames is one of the best day trips from London by car?
If market tows are on your list of the top day trips by car from London, then you have to consider Henley-on-Thames. It is a popular location amongst anyone who loves kayaking or just spending time on the water.
There is also one other massive reason to visit Henley-on-Thames on a day trip out of London – the Henley Royal Regatta. Apparently, it is the best-known regatta in the whole world!
12. Day trip to Sonning on Thames
Getting to Sonning on Thames: 50 minutes from West London.
Top driving day trips from London!
Simply known as “Sonning” for ease of conversation, Sonning-on-Thames is a village that lies in Berkshire on the River Thames. The village was once called “Sunning”, which we can all agree is a wonderful historical name for such a lovely place.
Some of the more traditional residents still use the old pronunciation of the village, and the spelling for it can be found on many maps and documents. In 2014, it caught the eye of Clooney and his wife, and they moved there.
13. Day trip to Oxford
Getting to Oxford by car: 60 minutes from West London.
One of the best London day trips by car!
Where to go for 1 day trip from London? This academic city is full of beautiful architecture and scenery, making it a truly spectacular place to visit. The markets are vast and interesting, with a whole load of produce and wares that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. The architecture and design even span across the bridges, which are absolutely amazing to look at and walk across.
Why Oxford is one of the best day trips in the UK?
Known around the globe as one of the best university cities in the world. Many people come to Oxford to learn, but plenty of others come to explore its history. The old prison that was once housed in the Castle is a highlight.
14. Day trip to Berkhamsted
Getting there: 45 minutes to Berkhamsted from West London.
Best day trips outside of London!
In the South of England, approximately 26 miles to the northwest of London, lies Berkhamsted. Berkhamsted is one of England’s many market towns with a lot of history flowing through its streets.
There are a lot of top attractions in Berkhamsted, including Ashridge Estate, The Pottery Project, and, of course, Berkhamsted Castle. The latter of these is perhaps the most well-known, and definitely a reason to visit.
15. Day out in Bath
Getting to Bath by car: 2 hours from West London.
Interesting day trip out of London.
Looking for best day trips from London England? One of the most popular day-trips taken by people from the capital, and while it does take longer to get to than most, it is well worth the travel time. The Roman baths are the main attraction, but the yellow stone buildings are also incredibly romantic and make you feel as though you are in a piece of classical literature.
Why Bath is one of the best day trips from London by car?
The great thing about Bath is that not only is it a beautiful and charming city, with plenty of history to explore, but it also comes with some rather impressive shopping opportunities too. There are also many independent shops and restaurants in Bath, which you just have to visit!
16. Day trip to Guildford
Getting to Guildford by car: 45 minutes from West London.
One of the best half-day trips from London.
Looking for best places to visit just outside London? This town is home to a castle, cathedral, and a wildlife reserve; making it a pretty vast and exciting place to explore. Whether you are into history, shopping, or dining out, there is something for the whole family to enjoy here. Plus, it’s not very far away from London at all.
Why Guildford is one of the top day trips around London?
Whilst many people think that Guildford is simply a sleepy commuter town, the truth is that is vibrant, fun and has plenty to do. It also boasts a beautiful canal network which is ideal for a leisurely walk.
17. Road trip to National Trust Ashridge Estate
Getting to National Trust Ashridge Estate: 60 minutes from West London.
Best road trips from London!
The Ashridge Estate is protected by the National Trust. It is housed within a large woodland area near Berkhamsted, and there are plenty of walking trails and cycling routes that locals and tourists are free to use.
Fun fact: The Ashridge Estate was used during the filming of the movie Maleficent. The entire estate is open for visitors to access, and it’s the perfect place to spend your afternoon.
18. Day out in Margate
Getting to Margate by car: 2 hours from West London.
Cheap day trips from London.
There are a few roads from London that you can take to drive to this seaside town, making it really easy to access – even if it does take a little longer to get to. There’s an amusement park, loads of shops, and some really hip cafes that line the seafront. Plus, you have an incredible art gallery, as well as delicious fish and chips. It really is one of the best places to go for a day out from London.
Why Margate is one of the top London day trips by car?
Over the years Margate has reinvented itself. Rather than being an old-fashioned seaside town, it is now a cool place for all the hippest people to hang. Packed with bars, restaurants and so much more.
19. Day trip to Cardiff
Getting to Cardiff by car: 2 hours 30 minutes from West London.
One/two day trip from London.
Days out near London? The Norman castle here is definitely the most popular and exciting attraction. However, this Welsh city has a great deal of charm, as well as some lovely locals. Test out a few of the pubs, check out the sights, and enjoy what Wales does best: vast countryside. You can also do a day tour from Cardiff to Snowdon – the views and landscape are fantastic!
Why Cardiff is one of the top London days out ideas?
The capital city of Wales and a frankly rather amazing place to visit, there is so much to do – like visiting many great castles near Cardiff. You can take a walk around the Castle or soak up all the shopping opportunities. You can even soak up the warmest of Welsh welcomes.
20. Day out in Bicester Village
Getting to Bicester by car: 60 minutes from West London.
Day trip from London for shopping-lovers!
One of the best places to visit in England outside of London if you like shopping 😉 Situated in Oxfordshire, this village has some warm local pubs serving delicious food and alcohol for you to sample. It is also close to Blenheim Palace, which hosts a number of events throughout the year. This includes a horse show, jousting, fairs, and even English Heritage events. There’s loads to see and do, and you can even just spend the day walking the grounds.
Why Bicester Village is a top one day trip from London?
Fans of shopping are definitely going to love the Bicester Village located just outside of Oxford. Here is a Designer Outlet packed full of amazing brands that you can get at low prices. As well as plenty of places to eat, drink and relax too.
21. Day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon by car: 2 hours from West London.
Best day trip from London by car!
Where to go for a day trip from London? The home of Shakespeare, this gorgeous town looks like it was frozen in time – with many of the buildings dating back to the Tudors and beyond. Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the best places to visit in Cotswold. It might feel like a sleepy village, but it is full of hidden gems, delightful coffee shops, and some local businesses that you won’t want to miss out on.
Why Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the top day trips from London by car?
Literary fans will know that Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of Shakespeare. Aside from this rather amazing claim to fame, this wonderful town is also developed along the banks of the River Avon which means that it has plenty for people to see and do.
Choose from a huge variety of London breaks and book one of the day-trips from London by car to see the remarkable English landmarks. If you’re planning to visit London for vacation, short weekend getaway will be a fantastic addition to your itinerary – and there is so much to see and explore outside of London. Many of the attractions are close enough to the capital to get there and back in a day – all you need to do is rent a car 🙂
Read also: How many days do I need in London?
22. Day trip to Chalfont St Giles
Getting there: 35 minutes to Chalfont St Giles from West London.
Nice places to drive from London!
Part of Southern England, Chalfont St Giles can be found in Buckinghamshire. The scenic area is a delightful place to live or visit, and has been awarded the title of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Take a walk along the River Misbourne and gaze upon the Sarcens Stone, which could have possibly been part of an old Roman road.
23. Day out in Stonehenge
Getting to Stonehenge: 2 hours by car from West London.
A must-do day
One of the oldest and most mysterious sites in this country, it is a wonder of the world, as well as a protected location. For those who live near Salisbury, it is something seen every day, and yet it doesn’t lose its magic. There is a little café on site, but stopping in the city has better, wider, options. Visiting Stonehenge during summer months is always a great idea and it should be added to any travel bucket list 🙂 This really is a top one day trip near me from London!
Why Stonehenge is one of the top day trips from London by car?
A historical marvel, Stonehenge has to be one of the most fascinating places in the UK. Not only will you wonder just how they made it, but you can almost feel the eerie wonder that it creates too.
Going for a day trip to Stonehenge? Read more: Visiting Stonehenge – TOP Tips for 1st-time visitors
24. Day trip to the Isle of Wight
Getting to Isle of Wight from London: 3 hours (approx.) by car and ferry.
One of the best UK road trip ideas from London!
Are you up for scenic drives near London? This little European island is known for its spectacular beaches, as well as its history and castles. It’s a quiet place, but the community is strong and welcoming, with plenty of tours of the areas available so that you can learn more about the stories behind it. Even driving by car around the island is a great experience – there are so many great things to do on the Isle of Wight. Ready for a road trip from London by car?
Why the Isle of Wight is one of the best day trips from London?
A short ferry ride from mainland UK, the Isle of Wight has to be one of the most beautiful spots that you can visit. Not only is it a seaside stop-off packed full of charm, but once a year it is also home to one of the biggest UK festivals too.
Weekend trip to the Isle of Wight? Read more: Isle of Wight things to do – TOP 11 attractions & places to visit on the I.o.W.
25. Day out in Cobham Surrey
Getting to Cobham: 50 minutes by car from South London.
Great half-day trip around London.
Looking for day tours from London? Also known as a part of “Britain’s Beverly Hills”, Cobham is a hotspot for celebrities. However, it also has a rich history with some magnificent churches and buildings dating back to the 12th Century. It also has a rich motor and aviation history, with an exhilarating track and museum nearby for you to visit.
Why Cobham is a top day trip around London?
Cobham might only be a village, but it still offers plenty to see and do. Brooklands Museum is fascinating and the Crystal Grotto is a must-see too.
26. Day trip to New Forest
Getting to New Forest: 2 hours by car from West London.
Great photography day trip from London.
Where to go for a day out from London by car? Full of walks and places to eat, the New Forest is home to many things. You can visit the wild horses and donkeys, walk for a good ten miles without stopping, or stay in the pub all day eating and drinking. It’s such a vast area, with so many options to make your trip worthwhile.
Why New Forest is a great day trip out of London?
As the name suggests, one thing that you can expect to see in this particular part of the UK is a forest. What you might not expect is just how stunning the New Forest really is, as well as how beautiful the local residents (the ponies) are too.
27. Day out in Cheddar Gorge
Getting to Cheddar Gorge from West London: 3 hours by car.
Unique day trip from London!
Best places to visit near London on short trips from the capital city? This is where Britain’s oldest complete skeleton was found, the Cheddar Man, who was estimated to be around 9,000 years old. The gorge and caves are natural wonders, with hundreds to secrets to be explored in their depths. You can even go rock climbing if you feel brave enough, and the tours are absolutely fantastic.
Why Cheddar Gorge is one of the top day trips from London by car?
A fascinating insight into prehistoric life, Cheddar Gorge is ideal for those who love caving and rock climbing of course. But for families, a simple walk into the underground caves is enough to keep you entertained. This really is one of the best days out near me!
Fancy to get Cheddar cheese during a day trip from London? 🙂 Read more: Cheddar Gorge caves vs. Cheddar Gorge cliff-top walk
28. Day trip to Bibury
Getting to Bibury: 2 hours and 10 minutes by car from West London.
Best day trips from London in March.
Need ideas for 1 day trip from London? This charming Cotswold village is the perfect way to escape the hustle of the city and lead a quieter life for a day. It is only one of the most romantic villages in Europe.
The remains of an ancient Roman estate make for interesting viewing, and there are plenty of long walks and pubs to fil your day. There is also a National Trust site if you really want to get into the area.
Why Bibury is a perfect one day trip from London?
You will be hard-pressed to find a village that is as beautiful as Bibury village. Not only a chosen location for many a TV show and movie, but it is also the go-to choice for people wanting to get married in the Cotswolds too. A truly stunning spot!
Going by car to the Cotswolds? Read more: Best places to visit in the Cotswolds: Things to do & Top tourist attractions!
29. Day trip to Dorchester-on-Thames
Getting to Dorchester-on-Thames: 65 minutes by car from West London.
Top road trips near me from London!
There are plenty of things to entertain you during your visit to Dorchester. This wonderful village is just nine miles away from Oxford in the South of England; and while it’s small, there’s enough medieval history in the village to keep any guest interested.
Visit the village where the River Thame and the River Thames meet.
30. Day out in Seven Sisters Cliffs
Getting to Seven Sisters: 2 hours by car from South London.
Independent day trip from London with stunning views!
What to do on a day out from London? This series of chalk cliffs can be found between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne in Sussex. They are contained within the South Downs National Park, a beautiful reserve where you can take long walks that overlook the sea. The trail, the scenery, and being surrounded by the natural world is just what the body needs to recover from city life. This is one of the best places to visit in Europe, and definitely in the UK.
We can easily say that this was one of our favourite day trips from London by car – there is nothing better than stunning coastline views 🙂 It really is one of the most beautiful days out near me!
Why Seven Sisters cliffs is a stunning day trip out of London?
Found in East Sussex, The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs that can be seen from the English Channel as you cross over to France. They are beautifully crisp and white and are a local landmark.
Is Seven Sisters on your weekend trip list? Read more: Best Guide to SEVEN SISTERS Cliffs Walk in Sussex, England
31. Day trip to Peak District
Getting to Peak District from London: 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.
Amazing two day trip from London!
Located in central England, there are so many things to do here. Countless walks mean you get a whole variety of trails, and there are also routes that are disabled and pushchair friendly if you need something more accessible. With pubs dotted regularly across most of the walks, as well as quiet villages, it makes for a truly adventurous day trip; or maybe a long weekend?
Why Peak District is a great weekend trip from London by car?
As the name suggests, the Peak District is one area that you will find plenty of hills to explore. A national park, it is the home to some of the very best views in the UK, not only this, but it is not far from Alton Towers, ideal for families.
32. Day out in Cambridge
Getting to Cambridge: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from North London.
One of the best winter day-trips from London.
Places to go on a nice day near me from London? Located on the River Cam in eastern England, Cambridge is home to a very prestigious University of Cambridge. They are currently ahead of Oxford University in the famous boat race – make sure you watch the race live ?
Fitzwilliam Museum is worth to visit if you fancy old things – yes, they call them antiquities ? Otherwise admiring Mathematical Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs (named for a famous Venice landmark) is a good option too!
Wy Cambridge is one of the best day tours around London?
Another city that is famed for its University and educational prospects, Cambridge is also incredibly beautiful to visit as well as packed full of culture that you can almost absorb during your time there.
33. Day out on Silverstone circuit
Getting to Silverstone: 1 hour and 45 minutes from West London.
Fantastic day trip for car lovers!
Fun day trips near me from London? Let’s face it – if you love cars, this is probably one of the best day trips from London you will EVER do!
During the driving experience day at Silverstone, you will seat behind the wheel of some of the best and fastest cars on the planet. Choose between Ferarri, Aston Martin or the legendary single-seater and feel like Lewis Hamilton for one day! OK, you only get one hour to drive but still worth driving to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone.
Without a doubt, this was my favourite day trip in England I have done so far 🙂
34. Day trip to Rye
Getting to Rye: 2 hourhs drive from West London.
Top places to go on a road trip near me!
Like a town out of a storybook, Rye is one of the best-kept secrets of England. Cobbled streets take you towards haunted local places, cosy pubs, restaurants and cafés, and so much more! This old port town is awash with history, and its atmosphere can only be experienced once you head into the rolling hills of East Sussex and take a stroll through Rye yourself.
35. Day trip to Bournemouth
Getting to Bournemouth: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from West London.
A sea-side trip from London in one day?
Looking for best day trips in UK from London? One of the best beaches and towns in the south, Bournemouth has so much to offer. The aquarium by the sea is home to plenty of marine life, and the Hilton isn’t far from the coast if you want afternoon tea or to visit the sky bar. Plus, Westbeach is a restaurant right on the coast that offers fresh, local, and delicious food all day.
Why Bournemouth is one of the best day trips from London by car?
A truly beautiful Dorset seaside town. Not only is Bournemouth ideal for families wanting to spend the day on the seaside, but it is also perfect for those who want to spend some time dancing the night away too.
Where should I go within 2 hours in London?
There are several fantastic destinations within a 2-hour radius of London that are worth visiting. Here are a few suggestions:
- Windsor: Located just 30 minutes by train from London, Windsor is home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Explore the castle grounds, stroll along the picturesque River Thames, and visit the charming town center.
- Oxford: Known for its prestigious university, Oxford is about an hour away from London by train. Explore the beautiful college buildings, visit the Ashmolean Museum, take a punt along the River Cherwell, and soak up the scholarly atmosphere.
- Cambridge: Similarly renowned for its university, Cambridge is around 1.5 hours away from London. Take a walk along the River Cam, explore the historic colleges, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and enjoy the quaint streets and shops.
- Brighton: Situated on the south coast of England, Brighton is just over an hour away from London by train. Enjoy the vibrant and bohemian atmosphere, stroll along the iconic Brighton Pier, visit the Royal Pavilion, and relax on the pebble beach.
- Canterbury: Located in the county of Kent, Canterbury is around 1.5 hours away from London. Explore the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, visit the Canterbury Tales museum, and wander through the medieval streets of the city.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more destinations within a 2-hour radius of London that offer unique experiences. Consider your interests, whether it’s history, culture, nature, or seaside charm, and choose a destination that aligns with what you’d like to explore.
Is it possible to do a day trip from London to Edinburgh?
While it is technically possible to do a day trip from London to Edinburgh, it would be an extremely long and exhausting journey. The distance between London and Edinburgh is approximately 400 miles (640 kilometers), and the travel time by train is around 4.5 to 5 hours each way. This means you would spend about 9 to 10 hours on trains alone, not including the time needed to explore Edinburgh.
Considering the long travel time and the limited time you would have to explore the city, it is generally recommended to allocate more time for a visit to Edinburgh. Ideally, plan for at least a couple of days to fully enjoy the city’s attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and the beautiful views from Arthur’s Seat.
If you’re short on time, you may consider flying from London to Edinburgh, which takes about 1.5 hours. However, keep in mind the additional time required for airport transfers and security procedures.
Overall, it’s advisable to allow more time to fully experience Edinburgh rather than attempting a rushed day trip from London.
What is your favourite day trip from London?
What are your top 5 day trips from London, England? Is any of our ideas on your bucket list ideas
Did you know that you can visit London in one day?
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Day trips from London FAQ:
Cotswold villages, Seven Sisters cliffs and Cheddar Gorge are among the best day trips from London!
Use rentalcars.com for the cheapest rates but read our guide about renting cars in Europe before doing so.
A trip to Marlow and a day out in Wendover are two underrated day trips – both very unique and very beautiful places to visit!
Spring and summer months are best for trips to go hiking near London. But winter is great for a cosy trip to the Cotswolds.
One day in London is not enough if you wish to go for a day trip outside of the capital too. You should focus on the main landmarks in London if you only have 24 hours.
Other day trips out of London:
What about going to Europe? OK, you can’t really do a day trip from London but you can easily spend a great weekend in Bruges or Amsterdam. So whether you drive or take a train you can do many trips from London outside of England 🙂
Read also: Where is the best place for Road Trip in Europe? Europe’s TOP 15 Roads
Are you thinking about moving to the capital city? Learn about the best places to live in London!
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